03/05/07
In its first year back on international markets, beef exports from
the UK hit 60,000 tonnes in the first year - double the original
30,000 tonne estimate from the Meat and Livestock Commission.
Of that
figure over 70 per cent of the beef - around 42,000 tonnes - has
come from England with the Netherlands, Ireland, France and Germany
being our biggest customers.
Boosted by a £5.5 million government beef recovery grant,
beef has been showcased by the English Beef and Lamb Executive (EBLEX)
at shows all over Europe during the past year with further export
work planned for the next 12 months. This work has been backed up
with a series of 14 inward missions for potential buyers and seminars
for companies looking to export beef.
Minister for Sustainable Farming and Food, Jeff Rooker said: "These
results clearly show British beef has regained its reputation as
being among the best in the world. Our farmers and beef exporters
are obviously making the most of opportunities to market their excellent
quality product abroad and I look forward to working with them and
helping this trend continue."
John Cross, EBLEX Chairman, said: "The enthusiasm for British
beef in foreign markets has been far greater than we first thought
and we have been delighted at the response we have received.
"Our return to export markets has helped our farmers at home
by keeping prices stable and we will work to ensure sales abroad
continue and expand in years to come."
Sheep Meat Exports Grow Despite Poor Second Half
Longtown
Primestock Sale
Offal Market Opportunities |